 | Fantasy Stud: Pittsburgh Steelers' Defense |
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The Steelers' Defense used to be one of the first selected in fantasy leagues that require a starting team defense. However, the last couple seasons -- based on fantasy statistics that matter (sacks and turnovers) -- they slipped heavily. Heading into the 2012 season, many fantasy owners now wonder if the Steelers' D is even worth considering as a fantasy option. I have faith in the black n' gold.
It would be dismissive to say that the Steelers simply were not a good fantasy defense in 2011. Truthfully, the defense has been on a bit of a downward slide in recent years, as age has begun to creep up on many long-time Steelers. Defensive end Aaron Smith retired at the end of the season. The Steelers opted to release aging linebacker James Farrior and cornerback Bryant McFadden. With all due respect to these one-time fine players, the losses may just be addition by subtraction.
The starting line-up will look like this:
DE Ziggy Hood, Brett Keisel
NT Casey Hampton
OLB Lamarr Woodley, Chris Carter
ILB Larry Foote, Lawrence Timmons
SS Troy Polamalu
FS Ryan Clark
CB Ike Taylor, Keenan Lewis
Clearly, they still have plenty of talent. Plus, they still have the great Dick LeBeau -- innovator of the zone-blitz -- serving as defensive coordinator. Clearly there are some concerns given the drop-off last season, but they don't still call them "Blitzburgh" for nothing. While I wouldn't pounce on them with a high draft pick, I normally advise waiting until the second-to-last pick of your draft (with the last pick set aside for your kicker) to select a defense anyway. Drafting a defense in that fashion, I would be perfectly happy with the Steelers as my D/ST.
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